Ramadan 2014

As our Muslim friends begin their observance of Ramadan, it is good for Catholics to remember the teaching of the Church on Islam as set forth in the magnificent declaration Nostra Aetate of the Second Vatican Council"

The Church regards with esteem also the Muslims. They adore the one God, living and subsisting in Himself; merciful and all-powerful, the Creator of  heaven and earth, who has spoken to men; they take pains to submit wholeheartedly even to His inscrutable decrees, just as Abraham, with whom the  faith of Islam links itself, submitted to God. Though they do not acknowledge Jesus as God, they revere Him as a prophet. They also honor Mary, His virgin Mother, at times even devoutly invoking her. In addition, they await the day of judgment when God will render what is deserved to all those who have been raised from the dead. Finally, they value the moral life and worship God especially through prayer, almsgiving and fasting.    

Since in the course of centuries not a few quarrels and hostilities have arisen between Christians and Muslims, this sacred synod urges all to forget the past and to work sincerely for mutual understanding and to preserve and promote together for the benefit of all mankind social justice and moral values, together with peace and freedom.

Best wishes to our Muslim friends for spiritual growth and renewal in the month of Ramadan. May your prayers, fasting, and good deeds be pleasing to God. And may we, as the Declaration calls upon us to do, work together in the cause of justice and morality, sincerely seeking the great goods of peace and freedom for all people.